Sa Bassa Blanca Museum – Alcudia

A hidden gem for art and culture lovers the Sa Bassa Blanca Museum is tucked away on the northern coast of Majorca.

Between the pine forests and the deep blue Mediterranean Sea, this eclectic museum & sculpture park offers a unique experience that blends art, architecture and nature.

History

The Sa Bassa Blanca Museum was established in 1993 by the artists and collectors Ben Jakober and Yannick Vu along with philanthropist Georges Coulon Karlweis.

The museum is housed in a former underground cistern on the Sa Bassa Blanca estate that was transformed to display the museum’s first exhibit – a collection of over 150 portraits of children from the 16th to 19th centuries.

Additional galleries and exhibition spaces were later added, along with expansive gardens and a sculpture park.

Over its short history, Sa Bassa Blanca has received numerous accolades recognising its cultural heritage contributions. This includes a Special Mention at the prestigious Europa Nostra Awards in 2009.

The museum continues to evolve through temporary exhibitions and renovations, solidifying its reputation as a unique artistic institution in Majorca.

Architecture and Design

The most striking architectural feature of Sa Bassa Blanca is the Hispano-Moresque main building designed by Egyptian architect Hassan Fathy.

Inspired by traditional Moroccan designs, the structure features intricate mosaic tilework, courtyards with tranquil fountains and a magnificent 15th-century wood-panelled ceiling.

The underground Sokrates exhibition space provides a striking contrast with its modern finishings. The space seamlessly blends antiquities from ancient civilizations with contemporary installations.

Other buildings scattered throughout the sculpture garden reflect a diversity of architectural styles, creating an almost surreal landscape.

Exhibits and Collections

The Sa Bassa Blanca Museum houses a broad range of exhibits across its multiple galleries.

The Nins Collection that first launched the museum features portraits of children spanning four centuries. It provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of youth from European aristocracy and royalty of past eras.

The main Hassan Fathy building showcases a modern art collection with works from predominantly African artists.

Another wing displays whimsical illustrations by artist Domenico Gnoli. The diverse Sokrates exhibit includes African tribal masks, pre-Columbian artefacts and contemporary installations, exemplifying the museum’s mission to bring together art from different eras and cultures.

Outdoors, the sculpture park contains giant granite and bronze pieces from renowned artists like Ben Jakober and Yannick Vu. The monumental works depict abstract shapes and figures from ancient mythology set amidst lush Mediterranean vegetation.

Visitor Experience

A visit to Sa Bassa Blanca offers a multisensory and educational experience for guests.

Alongside self-guided exploration, the museum offers special guided tours that provide deeper insight into featured artworks and artists. Workshops, lectures and temporary exhibitions further enrich the cultural immersion.

The sculpture trail and themed gardens are ideal for serene strolls, with plenty of quiet nooks and shaded benches conducive to contemplation. The vibrant colours and textures of the gardens change with the seasons, ensuring new discoveries with every meandering path.

For sustenance, there is an on-site café and organic garden that supply fresh seasonal ingredients to delight visitors’ palettes.

Accessibility and Practical Information

Sa Bassa Blanca Museum is located at Carrer de Punta de n’Amer, 11 in Alcudia. It sits about 7 kilometres east of Alcudia’s old town.

The museum is open Wednesday to Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM and Sundays from 10 AM to 3 PM. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

General admission is €10 for adults and €8 for youth ages 7 to 18. There is no entry fee for children under 6.

Entry to only the sculpture park and rose garden is €5.

Guided tours are available for an additional cost by advanced reservation. As parts of the museum grounds have limited accessibility, wheelchairs are available upon request. There is ample free parking onsite.

Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes for exploring the sculpture trail and pack refreshments, as outside food and drinks are not allowed in the galleries.

Local Surroundings and Attractions

The Sa Bassa Blanca Museum enjoys an enviable position surrounded by pristine nature and picturesque coastline. The nearby town of Alcudia offers historic sites like medieval walls and towers, along with beaches, restaurants and shops.

Nature lovers will enjoy walking trails in the wild headlands and coves of the Parc Natural de la Península de Llevant.

Water sports like sailing, kayaking and paddle boarding are also popular regional activities.

Personal Reflection

On my visit to Sa Bassa Blanca, I was awestruck by this oasis of art and nature. As a lover of both, I was thrilled to explore lesser-known galleries and be surprised by whimsical sculptures at every turn of the trail.

I highly recommend visitors take their time to soak in all that Sa Bassa Blanca has to nourish the senses and spirit. Wandering unhurried through these creative grounds, I was reminded of life’s masterpiece constantly unveiling before us when we pause to appreciate the beauty in all its myriad forms.

I left with my mind expanded, my curiosity piqued to delve deeper into new artists and reconnect to my own creativity.

Conclusion

For visitors seeking a cultural experience infused with nature and the vibrant arts scene of Majorca, the Sa Bassa Blanca Museum offers a world-class destination.

Through its rich history, striking architecture, diverse collections and surrounding natural beauty, the museum provides a feast for the eyes, mind and soul. Visitors of all ages and interests are sure to find inspiration in its galleries and gardens.

So next time you holiday in Northern Majorca, be sure to save a day for getting happily lost amidst art and nature at this unique creative oasis by the sea.

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